November 1, 2006 – No matter who is crowned champion of this month’s UBS Hong Kong Open, charity will be the biggest winner.
A range of fund-raising activities involving sponsors, players and the public will take place during the star-studded tournament, to be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling on November 16-19.
All money raised will go towards Operation Santa Claus, the Hong Kong-based charity that benefits a number of worthy causes.
Tournament promoter Parallel Media Group has kicked off the initiative by pledging 25 per cent of all ticket sales to the fund.
Title sponsor UBS will make a donation for every birdie recorded throughout the tournament, with the running aggregate to be posted on a signboard in the on-site Event Village.
The public will also have the chance to get in on the fun by guessing the total number of birdies for the entire event. The entry fee will be donated direct to Operation Santa Claus, while the winner will claim a mini gold bar as a souvenir of the 2006 championship.
The UBS Simulator Challenge, located in the Event Village, will be open to all visitors and, for a small entry fee that will be donated to Operation Santa Claus, the public can test their golfing skills in a “nearest the pin” competition.
Players themselves will be contributing to the cause by making a discretionary donation whenever they visit the complimentary barber or reflexologist stationed in the players’ area.
“While we are putting on a top class golf tournament that will offer great sporting entertainment for thousands of fans, social awareness is a very important part of the event,” said Martin Capstick of Parallel Media Group.
“Last year, the tournament raised almost HK$225,000 [about US$29,000] for Operation Santa Claus, a figure that reflected great credit on everyone involved. This time, with the continuing generosity of our sponsors, the players and the public, we are hoping to surpass that total.”
This year’s UBS Hong Kong Open will feature a world class field that includes defending champion Colin Montgomerie, Major winners Retief Goosen and Michael Campbell, US-based Korean star KJ Choi, Asian Tour UBS Order of Merit leader Jeev Milkha Singh and Chinese No.1 Liang Wenchong.
In addition to the charity initiatives, there will be a range of activities and attractions at Fanling to keep fans entertained.
The UBS Game Improvement Zone will feature seven inflatable hitting bays where the public can get free golf lessons from qualified professionals.
Spectators will also be able to try out SNAG Golf, a modified game for beginners, for the first time. Featuring over-sized golf balls, easy-to-use clubs and practice targets, it is the ideal chance for kids and adults alike to try their hand at golf.
Golf shoe manufacturer Ecco will run an autograph session with star players at their booth during the weekend action.
And golf equipment manufacturer Wilson will run a competition at their booth to win a new set of golf clubs and bag, as well as caps and balls for runners-up.
The Event Village has been remodelled for this year’s tournament. Moved to a premium position adjacent to the 18th fairway, the new-look village will feature food and beverage outlets, covered eating areas, a giant TV screen showing the action, and a viewing platform that will overlook the 18th hole.
UBS is also introducing a free shuttle bus service to the Hong Kong Golf Club on both the Saturday and Sunday (November 18-19) of the tournament.
The buses will depart from Admiralty and Kowloon Tong and will be separate express services direct to the UBS Hong Kong Open. For Details of the services that are available click here.
In addition, regular shuttle buses will operate from Sheung Shui KCR station to the Hong Kong Golf Club. These will be every half hour, starting from 07:00 to 18:00 on Thursday and Friday and every 15 minutes from 08:00 to 18:00 Saturday and Sunday.
